Paradise (?)

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Of all of our excursions, the trip to the Galápagos has certainly been the most anticipated by our group. Visions of a tropical island paradise were on everyone’s mind as we boarded our flight out of Quito last Sunday. I can’t believe this is happening! was the general consensus. On the plane, one of my group members leaned back over her seat and exclaimed, “I’m sooo excited! This is going to be like a vacation!!”  I was quick to correct her, reminding her that this was still school. Our trips so far, though undoubtedly epic, had very much had an academic emphasis, and I doubted this one would be any different. At least, I was trying to keep my expectations low. 

On day three of the trip, I apologized to her. “L., I’m sorry,” I said, “I was wrong. This IS vacation.” 

Somehow, what was officially a week of classes turned out to be what felt like a luxury cruise with friends*. Extra luxurious, considering the amount of homework we had had the last weeks in Quito (see my last post). For the first four days of our trip we stayed on a catamaran, touring the smaller islands of the Galápagos archipelago.

A full shot of a large white catamaran on blue water with a white sand beach in the background under a blue sky with white clouds. The catamaran is facing away from the viewer and includes a tall mast with several cables extending from the top down to its hull. The bottom section of the boat where the hulls connect includes steps that descend to the water; some people are gathering on this section of the boat. A blue shade covering is over the sitting area of the boat. A small flag is affixed to the mast. The side of each hull includes a blue wave design; the words "Puerto" is included on the stern hull with Ayora written on the front. The water has many ripples and the sand on the beach is white with a small section of land covered in low-lying green brush and trees. Another boat with a mast is visible faintly in the background to the left.
The Nemo II, our home for 4 days

A typical day’s schedule looked like:

Wake up

A serene waterscape unfolds under a sky painted with soft hues of dusk, where billowy clouds linger on the horizon. At sea level, gentle waves ripple across the expanse of water, their movements adding to the tranquil scene. In the foreground, the deck of a white boat provides a platform for observation. Clothes, suspended on a makeshift line with clothespins, flutter gently in the sea breeze, their various shades adding a touch of domesticity to the maritime setting. A life buoy, vivid orange, hangs nearby, a symbol of safety and preparedness amidst the vastness of the sea. The composition of the image is such that the boat, with its various components, occupies the lower portion of the frame, while the sky and the sea stretch out above and beyond, creating a sense of depth and immersion. The overall mood of the image is one of tranquility and solitude, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of a moment at sea.
Sunrise on the Nemo 11. Our swimsuits from the previous day are hung up to dry.

Snorkeling

In a medium shot, several people are seen snorkeling in clear turquoise-blue water, with a visible rocky breakwater in the background and a partly cloudy sky above. The water, stretching across the foreground, has gentle ripples and visible light reflecting upon its surface, with its color gradually deepening into a darker hue further away from the viewer. Above the water, snorkelers with their masks and snorkels are noticeable; some have their faces submerged in the water, observing marine life, while others have their heads above the water, possibly communicating. The backdrop features a substantial rocky breakwater, constructed seemingly from large black stones. Patches of green vegetation are also detectable near the horizon line, as well as a few people. The sky above is a mix of blue and white clouds, indicating fair weather. Several distant birds can be seen flying near the breakwater. The overall impression is one of a bright, sunny day, perfect for a snorkeling excursion in clear, inviting waters.
Snorkeling off the coast of one of the small islands. The water was so blue and we saw a ton of fish!

Breakfast buffet on the boat

Three young women sit at a table on a boat, having a meal. The woman on the left has wet hair and is wearing a dark-colored swimsuit. She is reaching for a piece of cantaloupe from a white bowl. The woman in the center is wearing a grey tank top and silver hoop earrings, and she has a watch on her left wrist. She is smiling at the camera. The woman on the right has her blonde hair in a bun, and she is wearing a green swimsuit. Her hands are clasped together on the table, and she is also smiling at the camera. The table is set with blue placemats, white plates of food, and glasses of a light-colored beverage. The plates contain cheese, watermelon, and what appears to be some kind of bread. In the background, there is a view of green mountains and blue water. A man wearing a white shirt is standing on the boat behind the women. Above the women's heads is a white canopy that is part of the boat.
Breakfast was always delicious and included some kind of fresh fruit juice

Easy island hike to look at wildlife and take pictures by the ocean

A group of individuals can be seen trekking along a unique landscape in this medium shot. The weather is bright and clear, with a brilliant blue sky adorned with fluffy white clouds. In the foreground, a person with their back to the camera wears a light gray, long-sleeved shirt, khaki shorts, and a wide-brimmed white hat. A large black backpack is slung over their shoulders. They lead the way on a path strewn with large, dark-colored rocks, interspersed with patches of green vegetation. Further ahead, other members of the group can be observed. They're clad in various outfits, including shorts, skirts, and hats, all prepared for the outdoor adventure. One individual is wearing a light blue skirt, another is sporting an orange shirt, while yet another is dressed in a white shirt and khaki shorts. They appear to be treading carefully over the rocky terrain. To the right, the path ends abruptly at a cliff edge, beyond which lies the ocean. Waves can be seen crashing against the rocky cliffs in the distance. The overall impression is one of adventure and exploration, as the group traverses the unusual terrain.
Along this coastline, we watched blowholes spouting and saw albatross that were early arrivals to the islands

Beach time

A group of seven people walk along a beautiful white sand beach in a horizontal, eye-level shot. The sky is a clear blue with a few wispy clouds near the top with the sand contrasting sharply with the turquoise water. In the distance, there is lush green vegetation, suggesting an island or coastal area. The group is spaced out along the beach, creating a sense of depth. The person farthest to the left is a man wearing dark swim trunks and walking barefoot. Slightly further along, a person is wearing a long-sleeved white hoodie and tan pants. Further along, someone in light-colored clothing walks perpendicular to the camera. The fourth person is a woman with curly hair wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt and pink bottoms, walking barefoot, closer to the foreground, and is facing away from the camera. On the right side, the last two people are walking together near the water's edge. One is wearing a pale-colored hat, a black long-sleeved shirt, and pale tan zip-off pants. The last person shown is wearing a green bathing suit and a green baseball cap. The beach is wide and stretches into the distance, eventually meeting the water's edge. The water changes in color from a light turquoise near the shore to a deeper blue further out. Rocks are scattered in the water near the beach.
Yes, I am wearing field clothes on the beach. Did I get sunburned during this trip? No, no I did not.

Lunch

Relax on the boat

Kayaking

Two people are kayaking in a cerulean-colored, plastic kayak near a cave. The person closest to the camera is wearing a straw hat, and holding a black oar in their right hand. They are wearing a white shirt, khakis, and a black and gray lifejacket. The person behind them is wearing a purple hat and a green shirt. Behind them is a yellow kayak further away from the camera. The cave's entrance is very rocky and contains beige and white strata. The water is a deep-blue color.
I was actually stand-up paddleboarding. Challenging in the wind, but the coastline was incredible!

More snorkeling + beach time

Dinner

Stargazing on the boat

The beaches we visited were ridiculously gorgeous, the island coastlines were picturesque, and snorkeling was like swimming in an aquarium. 

Sea lions swimming under the light green and blue ocean waves.
Snorkeling with sea lions!

On the first day, we visited a small island. The landscape felt like something out of a movie set. What was most surprising was the abundance of animals, and their complete lack of fear of humans. Iguanas were littered along the trail, and barely batted an eye as we walked past. Frigate birds filled the shrubby trees at eye level, only meters away. The most incredible were the baby sea lions which waddled up to us in curiosity. 

A Galapagos Land Iguana appears in a full outdoor shot against a background of greenery and cracked earth. The iguana is a pale greenish-tan color overall, with black mottling on its back. The iguana's skin is tough and scaly, with ridges and bumps covering its body. The iguana has thick legs with heavy claws. Its head is broad and flat with small black eyes. The iguana has a dewlap under its chin. The iguana's body is angled slightly to left of the frame. Some green herbs are lightly scattered at the corners of the ground. The cracked earth suggests a dry or arid environment. The focus is on the iguana, with the background greenery slightly blurred. The lighting appears bright and natural, giving the scene a clear and vibrant look.
A medium, eye-level shot taken outdoors, two Frigatebirds are captured amidst verdant foliage, with a hillside in the background. Foreground leaves are a lively green, their surfaces catching the sunlight. The first bird, positioned to the left, displays a black head with a distinctive white throat pouch. Facing forward, its gaze is directed straight ahead. The second bird, directly behind it, features a vibrant red throat pouch, identifying it as a male in breeding season. The long, curved beaks of both birds are notably black. In the middle ground, more frigatebirds are subtly visible, their forms obscured by the leaves. The backdrop is a hillside adorned with grass and vegetation, adding depth to the scene. The sky above is subdued, with only a hint of visible clouds.
A medium shot of a group of nine young adults posing behind a sea lion on a beach. The group of young adults are smiling and looking at the camera. They are all wearing casual clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, and jeans. Some of them are wearing hats or sunglasses. The sea lion is in the foreground in the middle of the frame and sitting on a gray rock that consists of many holes. The beach is made up of small white shells and dark gray rocks. The sky is light blue with some clouds, and a few birds are flying in the sky in two different groups. The group of people are crouched and sitting amongst the rocks and sea shells.

Because the Galápagos have been uninhabited for so long, the wildlife there have never been hunted or harmed by people, and therefore haven’t developed a fear of humans. We received complete calm, not terror, from the animals as we explored their island. It made me think of Isaiah: 

The wolf will live with the lamb,

    the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling together;

    and a little child will lead them.

The cow will feed with the bear,

    their young will lie down together,

    and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

The infant will play near the cobra’s den,

    and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.

They will neither harm nor destroy

    on all my holy mountain,

for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord

    as the waters cover the sea.

-Isaiah 11:6-9

It made me wonder, is this what the New Heaven & New Earth will be like? 

I mean, tell me this isn’t what people picture when they hear the word “paradise”

A serene beach landscape is presented, featuring a wide sandy shore that glistens under patchy sunlight. In the foreground, lush green bushes offer a vibrant contrast to the sandy expanse and add a layer of depth to the composition. To the left, a group of people, captured from the back, are about to step onto the beach. One figure is holding up their phone as if capturing the landscape on camera. The ocean stretches out in shades of light blue, gradually darkening as it meets the horizon. Gentle waves roll onto the shore, creating a soothing rhythm. In the distance, a verdant landmass provides a backdrop, topped with a scattering of trees. A few small islands rest farther out in the ocean, adding to the scene's tranquility. The sky above is a canvas of light blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that seem to drift lazily, contributing to the overall peaceful atmosphere of the scene.

But, at the same time, I was reading in Luke:

Looking at his disciples, Jesus said:

Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
    for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
    for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
    when they exclude you and insult you
    and reject your name as evil,
        because of the Son of Man.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

But woe to you who are rich,
    for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
    for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
    for you will mourn and weep.
 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
    for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

-Luke 6:20-26

A strange, and frankly uncomfortable thing to read when you’re cruising the Galápagos, strolling along beaches, and eating at fancy restaurants: rich, full, happy, and liked. What do you do with that?

Two people, viewed from the back, are walking along a white sandy beach on a sunny day with a blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. The person on the left is wearing a long-sleeved blue top and dark bottoms, and they have a green backpack on. They are carrying brown sandals in their left hand. The person on the right is wearing a long-sleeved black top and bright blue shorts, and they’re wearing sandals. This person has on a light-colored sun hat and a dark backpack. They are walking on the wet sand near the water. Their shadows stretch slightly to the left. The beach extends into the distance, with a line of trees and vegetation visible. In the far distance, there are several small figures of other people walking along the beach. The sky occupies the upper portion of the image, a vibrant blue with scattered white clouds. The sea is a turquoise color, with gentle waves breaking along the shore. The general impression is one of a bright, sunny day at the beach.
Another gorgeous beach
Captured at night, a cheerful young woman sits in front of a plate of sushi, her wide smile conveying pure joy. Her shoulders and face are centered in the frame, with her upper body visible to her waist. She's clad in a long-sleeved, light beige and fitted T-shirt. Her fair skin is bathed in the soft glow of overhead lighting, and her brown hair is loosely styled, partly secured behind her ears. A pair of bright lights are situated behind her, illuminating a vibrant green tree. In the foreground, a rectangular plate filled with sushi rolls takes center stage. The rolls boast a striking pink filling and a white exterior, sprinkled with what appears to be decorative crumbs. To the side of the sushi lies a small pile of pickled ginger, its pink hue contrasting with the sushi. The woman's arms are resting on the table, positioned just in front of the sushi. The background reveals hints of an outdoor setting, with another restaurant patron visible in the distance and a bicycle parked to the top right, contributing to an atmosphere of relaxed sociability. The illumination from street lights casts elongated shadows, underscoring the nighttime setting.
Ceviche sushi in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz

During our time on the boat, we watched a documentary about the first families that came to settle on Floreana, one of the islands we visited. In the documentary, the families and their descendants are interviewed about why they came to the Galápagos. One man, born and raised on the island, tells how his parents came looking for paradise. His mother, sitting next to him, interjects- “No, this isn’t paradise.” Despite the beautiful setting of these islands, living was hard and there arose strife between the families as pride, selfishness, and resentment emerged. “If there’s a paradise, I hope it’s a whole lot better than this.”

Me too. I don’t believe that all of the fun things I got to do were bad. Maybe, in some ways, they are a reflection of the peace and delight of the New Heaven & New Earth. But, I am not convinced that this is what the Good Life on this Earth looks like. I think that a life spent pursuing the kind of lifestyle I had in the Galápagos would miss the depth and goodness of the Kingdom. To be honest, I don’t love the idea of experiencing poverty, hunger, loss, and disapproval. But I feel what this woman feels: that the world needs something more. I prop the door of my heart open to believe that, somehow, Jesus’s upside-down way could be better.

Ecuador lesson #6: …

I don’t think I have a neat conclusion for this one. Maybe just a good wondering, with a little experience to chew on. What is the Good Life?

I think it could be something even more than this.

¡Hasta luego!

-Megan

*P.S. I feel the need to clarify that we did actually still do school in the Gálapagos (discussions, site visits, and working on our field notebooks). It just felt very vacation-like compared to previous trips 🙂 .

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